Spring and Summer Travel Etiquette

By Kacey Mya Bradley

Spring is just around the corner, which means that everyone is starting to think about where they’d like to travel this year. Planning a vacation is much more fun when the weather is warmer, since you can comfortably spend time outside and explore new places. No matter where you choose to go this spring or summer, there’s travel etiquette you should be aware of.

Even if you consider yourself to be an experienced traveller, it’s good to brush up on proper etiquette tips every once in a while. Travelling is stressful, so it’s easy to get in the mindset where nothing matters except getting from point A to point B. Read on for some tips to help you not only have the best trips ever this year but also be the best traveller you can be.

Don’t Hog Airport Lounge Seats

Maybe you’re one of those people who always show up extra early for plane trips. That’s super smart, since you can never really predict how long lines are going to be and whether you’ll be able to make it to your boarding area in time. But even with all that, you shouldn’t put your carry-on bags on the seats next to you unless you’re keeping the seat safe for a friend or family member who just got up to use the restroom or get food. Other passengers deserve to sit and wait just like you do, so be kind and keep the seats open.

Stow Away Large Bags Only

It’s stressful to wait in line to get on your plane, shuffle down the aisle and then find that there’s no stowage space above your seat. It makes for an awkward time trying to get off the plane once you land if you have to ask people three rows back to pass your bag up to you. Sometimes this storage space is taken up by people who leave purses or small backpacks up there. Don’t be that person! Use the space under the seat in front of you so that you know you won’t ruin the overhead bin for everyone.

Return the Luggage Cart

If you’re staying in a hotel for a long trip, you’ll probably want to use the luggage cart to help haul your stuff up to your room. They’re there for you to use, so by all means go ahead, but just make sure to return the cart when you’re done. There’s always going to be someone checking in after you who has more suitcases than you do, so make sure you return the cart for those who will need it later.

Tip the Hotel Staff

When people think of tipping, it’s easy to first imagine restaurant staff and leave it at that, but hotel staff can be tipped too. For those who aren’t sure how, it’s easy to learn how to tip hotel staff correctly. Always carry some small bills (or large coins, depending on where you’re visiting) in your pocket or purse so that you don’t find yourself in an awkward situation. You can also look on the hotel’s website for their tipping policy, which is always a good idea. Some hotels have a no-tip policy, so double-check before you arrive.

Be Mindful of Others

In general, the best mindset to have while you travel is to be mindful of others at all times. Always consider how your actions might affect other people before you do anything, especially if you’re visiting a place that has a different culture from yours. Something you might say or do could come across as offensive to someone else. Do your research on any new cultures you might encounter in the places you’re visiting, and try to do your best to be pleasant to the people around you.

There’s more involved in travel etiquette than simply not overstuffing your suitcase, or refraining from chewing loudly while on a plane. You have to put your full effort into respecting the people around you at all times. This is especially crucial if you’re interacting with a culture you’ve never experienced before. To prevent having to deal with any angry or disgruntled fellow passengers this year, be polite and considerate while you’re on vacation. You’ll be glad you did when you can relax in peace and just have a good time once you arrive.

Kacey Mya Bradley

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she frequently writes for sites like US Travel News, Thought Catalog, Style Me Pretty, Tripping.com and more!

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